<p>Teacher: Steve Homeyer Topic: Crucible -- Library Research Expedition Grade: 11th Subject: American Literature Materials: textbook, Microsoft PPT, library day Summary of Activity: Students will work in groups to present a Pre-reading powerpoint on the issues discussed or used to influence the writing of the The Crucible by Arthur Miller </p><p>Assignment: Hysteria and Consequences: A research expedition and warm up to The Crucible</p><p>1. Over the weekend, read the background information in your text to become familiar with the Salem Witch Trials and the societal factors that contributed to the brutal aftermath. 2. Divide into assigned groups ( two or three people) and sign up for one of the topics listed below. 3. Construct a six-slide power point presentation, based on your topic. Include photos, historical data and any context that you believe will strengthen the connection between Salem Witch Trials and your topic. Link to videos if they are relevant. 4. Each individual in the group will have to write a paragraph detailing the role he or she played in the project. 5. Each individual will be prepared to present the power point WEDNESDAY and answer questions from students about your topic. Total presentation time per group will be at least 4 minutes. 6. Students watching the presentations will have a role, too. Students will write down one thoughtful question and its answer from each presentation. You will turn this in at the end of the class and it will be factored into your grade. </p><p>Your grade will be based on: </p><p>10 pts. Library research time. I want to see you are working together and staying on task. I will check to see what you have gathered each day. </p><p>10 pts. Paragraph detailing your role and what you learned from the research project </p><p>20 pts. 6-slide power point presentation.</p><p>10 pts: Reaction questions and answers from other presentations</p><p>1. Salem Society: Describe what life was like in old Salem. What kind of society set the stage for the witch hunts? What did the Puritans fear? Who were the major players in early Salem society and how did their conflicts play a role in the trials? 2. The Victims: (each person choose a victim and tell his or her story)</p><p>Who were the early victims of the Salem Witch hunts. Describe some of the injustices, tactics, tragedies. A good example is: The Man Of Iron: Giles Corey. He was a victim of the witch trials who refused to stand for trial and faced a punishment never before seen in the colony of Massachusetts. http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/salem/gilescoreypage.HTM</p><p>3. Arthur Miller: Who was Arthur Miller and why did he take such an active interest in the Salem Witch Trials? Include some personal history about Arthur Miller and his major literary contributions and themes. What were some of his other major works?</p><p>4. The Cold War and McCarthyism. How did the Cold War set the stage for McCarthyism? Here are some points to focus on: • From the late 40s to the late 50s, thousands were accused of being communists and were aggressively questioned. • Result of Cold War and fears of communist threats to democracy, as well as a large communist party membership in the US (50,000 in 1942) • Government employees, educators, union activists, and the entertainment industry were targeted. Why might this be?</p><p>5. “T he Hollywood Ten :” Tell the story of the Hollywood 10, people who were among the first questioned in the film industry and refused to answer questions or name names, citing the first amendment (free speech) as their protection. Here are some points to focus on: • These people were sentenced to prison for contempt of congress and lost their jobs. • Many “pleaded the fifth” and refused to name names, but these people were still thought of as communists for their un-American refusal to cooperate. • How does this connect to Salem?</p><p>6. FEAR AND HYSTERIA? What recent national or world events brought on similar reactions to fear? • Y2K • Suspicion of Muslims as being terrorists • Patriot Act as a result of hysteria of 9/11 </p><p>7. FEAR AND HYSTERIA? • Weather warnings – floods, hurricanes, snowstorms. • MRSA, Bird Flu • 1980s – AIDS and homophobia • Other examples you can draw from. </p>